Giving Back
Tehama County Arts Council…
ENJOY Q&A, with Tehama County Arts Council Board Member, Barbara Luzzadder
Tell us about the Tehama County Arts Council?
The Tehama County Arts Council is a nonprofit that’s been around since 1982, originally set up by the Board of Supervisors to promote visual and performing arts, as well as other cultural projects here in the county. For 42 years, the council has coordinated, sponsored, funded, produced and participated in hundreds of local arts events. And it’s not just for artists—it’s for everyone who loves the arts. We’ve got a dedicated volunteer board that brings diverse perspectives and we rely on donations, memberships, fundraisers and grants to keep it going.
What are some of the more successful events you’ve organized recently?
The Missoula Children’s Theatre allowed K-12 students to perform live, and the Red Bluff Downtown ArtWalk supported local artists and businesses. We’ve hosted the Tehama Countywide Children’s Art Contest and the Poetry Out Loud competition for high school students. Cowboy Poetry celebrated local traditions, and the Christmas Boutique promoted giving arts and crafts as gifts. Monthly exhibits in various themes engage artists and art lovers in family fun.
How does the Arts Council engage with the local community in promoting
the arts?
We host events like the Annual Downtown ArtWalk, pairing local businesses and artists. We invite the community to monthly exhibits and offer various art classes. We also promote community art events and provide annual grants of up to $500 for projects that enhance life through the arts. In 2024, we awarded nearly $3,000 in small community grants.
How do you support local artists within Tehama County?
The board is always lookin for local art talents. We seek to create and foster a supportive networking among artists where we can connect, collaborate and inspire one another. We welcome artists to reach out to us. Artist Calls are publicized on our website and our Facebook page. All county schools are contacted to participate in annual children’s art events.
What local artists or art forms have gained recognition through your efforts?
This past year, we have featured some unique and diverse forms of art including Native American culture, ceramic Raku sculptures, wood carving and custom furniture, acrylic etchings, glass fusion art, mosaic art, and much more.
Does the Tehama County Arts Council collaborate with other organizations?
We partner with the California Arts Council, which covers about 53 counties. For the past two years we’ve been a part of the Upstate California Creative Corps as grantors and grantees, who received $200,000 in grants for the local area. Other local area fiscal partnerships are with Tehama County Native American Culture Bearers and Spark Dance Tehama/Flare Dance and Acrobatics.
What impact do the arts have on the overall well-being of the community?
We believe that having art in a community plays a crucial role in improving and enriching the quality of life of the community and enhances the community landscape. Art can connect people and communities across cultural and socioeconomic groups. Art can have a positive impact on individuals’ mental and emotional health.
What upcoming events can the community be excited about?
The “Black Light Night” show opens on Oct. 11 at 5:30 pm at the Tehama Arts Gallery, 328 Oak St. This four-night event features special effects for family fun. We’re calling artists for the 2024 Annual Downtown ArtWalk, held Nov. 1-2. We’re committed to supporting young artists—our youngest exhibitor was 5, and in our last show, the People’s Choice award went to a 13-year-old.
How can the community get involved?
Volunteers can assist with many of our events, and as gallery attendants, fundraising, publicity, grant writing and board membership. Contact us at [email protected], (530) 278-5691, or www.tehamaarts.org. Visit our Gallery and Art Studio at 328 Oak St. during posted exhibit hours.
